An X-ray is an imaging test that uses small amounts of radiation to produce pictures of the organs, tissues, and bones of the body. When focused on the chest, it can help spot abnormalities or diseases of the airways, blood vessels, bones, heart, ...

From asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are a variety of conditions that can affect the lungs. Wheezing or general shortness of breath may be signs that the lungs are not functioning exactly as they should be. When patie...

Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you are able to breathe and how well your lungs are able to supply oxygen to the rest of your body.

Sputum is the liquid substance that comes from your respiratory tract when you cough. It often consists of bacteria, cellular fragments, blood, and pus. Sputum samples helps diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory system.

When you develop a respiratory tract infection or experience a lung-related disorder, a thick, mucus-like substance known as sputum is produced in the lungs. This sputum can make it hard to breathe, cause coughing, and harbor bacteria. If you expe...